Main Street Matters

Hosted by Main Street Matters

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Main Street Matters with Elaine Parker and Alfredo Ortiz explores the intersection of small business and government policy. With more than 90 million Americans either owning or depending on small business for their household income, policies like taxes, regulations, and access to credit have a huge effect on the American Dream. Elaine and Alfredo talk with small business owners, government officials and office holders, and experts about everything from education to the labor market on this interesting and entertaining podcast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202640 min

The Florida Tax Plan Everyone Is Talking About | Property Taxes Could Disappear

Florida is considering one of the most ambitious tax reform proposals in the country—and it could dramatically reduce or even eliminate property taxes for millions of homeowners. On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker of Job Creators Network is joined by acclaimed journalist, former CNBC and Fox Business anchor, and author Dennis Kneale to break down Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposal to expand Florida's homestead exemption and eventually phase out property taxes on primary residences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 10, 202634 min

Harvard's Grade Inflation Problem, AI in Education & The Future of College

Is higher education facing a credibility crisis? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riano, President of Cornerstone University, to discuss Harvard's controversial decision to cap A grades, the growing problem of grade inflation, declining public trust in colleges, and how artificial intelligence is transforming education. Dr. Moreno-Riano explains why grade inflation may be undermining the value of college degrees, how an entitlement culture has impacted academic rigor, and why universities must focus on preparing students for careers and life—not just handing out diplomas. The conversation also explores AI's role in education, workforce readiness, soaring tuition costs, and how innovative institutions like Cornerstone are adapting to the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 5, 202631 min

Small Business Owner Takes on Lindsey Graham in High-Stakes Senate Battle

Can a lifelong small business owner defeat one of Washington's most powerful incumbents? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with South Carolina Senate candidate Mark Lynch to discuss his challenge against longtime Senator Lindsey Graham. Lynch shares how he helped grow his family's business from a small local appliance store into a major regional employer and explains why he believes that experience gives him a unique perspective on inflation, taxes, government regulation, and the challenges facing working families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 4, 202627 min

New York’s Socialist Shift? The Policies Sparking National Backlash

Is New York becoming the center of America’s next major economic battle? Elaine Parker sits down with Nicole Huyer of the Heritage Foundation to break down the growing debate over taxes, government-run grocery stores, affordability, business regulation, and the broader impact of economic policies spreading beyond New York City. The conversation explores whether policies like rent control, higher taxes on wealthy residents, and expanded government programs help working families—or risk driving businesses and investment elsewhere. They also discuss migration trends, entrepreneurship, free-market economics, and what these debates could mean for small businesses and communities across the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 3, 202636 min

Why Homeownership Is Becoming Impossible: The Housing Crisis No One Wants to Fix

Why is homeownership becoming increasingly out of reach for young Americans? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation economist John Gibbs to discuss the housing affordability crisis, rising home prices, government-backed mortgages, investor-owned properties, and the policies shaping today's housing market. Gibbs explains how government intervention, mortgage market policies, investor activity, immigration-driven demand, and housing finance programs may be contributing to skyrocketing housing costs. He also shares his controversial views on 30-year mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, investor tax incentives, and what reforms could help make homeownership attainable again for the next generation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 22, 202629 min

Inflation, Interest Rates & Small Business: What Happens Next?

How do decisions made in Washington impact Main Street America? Elaine Parker sits down with Caroline Melear of the R Street Institute to break down the economic forces shaping the future of small businesses. From banking regulations and lending access to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and global conflicts, they connect policy decisions to everyday economic realities. They also discuss the lasting effects of Dodd-Frank, uncertainty caused by shifting administrations, rising gas prices, Federal Reserve challenges, and why small businesses often feel the impact of regulations first.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 202647 min

Why Gas Prices, Mortgage Rates & Inflation Could Crush the Economy This Summer

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Breitbart economics editor John Carney for a deep dive into America’s inflation crisis, rising gas prices, mortgage rates, AI job disruption, and the Federal Reserve’s next move. Carney explains why inflation is spreading beyond energy prices, how “demand destruction” could hit American families this summer, and why the Fed may not cut interest rates anytime soon. The conversation also explores the housing market slowdown, AI’s impact on jobs, soaring airline costs, and whether the economy is headed toward stagflation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 202628 min

How No Tax on Tips & Overtime Changed This Small Business Overnight

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Florida-based Caribou Coffee and Subway franchise owner Bill Mathis about how tax reform, no tax on tips, and overtime policy changes are impacting workers, hiring, and small business growth. Bill shares his firsthand experience operating businesses in both Florida and Minnesota, revealing the dramatic differences in taxes, regulations, labor costs, and economic opportunity between the two states. The conversation also explores inflation, gas prices, hiring challenges, franchise expansion, employee retention, and why pro-growth policies matter for Main Street businesses across America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 202619 min

Reconciliation 3.0: The Budget Battle That Could Change Taxes, Spending & Small Business

On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Daniel Kowalski, Director of the Herman Center for the Federal Budget at The Heritage Foundation, to break down the high-stakes budget reconciliation fight unfolding in Washington. They explain how Republicans are using reconciliation to advance homeland security funding, spending reforms, tax relief, and efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Daniel also outlines what a potential “Reconciliation 3.0” could mean for small businesses—from healthcare price transparency and capital gains indexing to reducing federal deficits and easing borrowing costs. What’s next for Congress? Can Republicans deliver another major legislative win before the midterms? And how could these reforms impact Main Street businesses across America?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 6, 202625 min

Andy Ross on American Rebel, Entrepreneurship & Patriotic Branding

Country artist turned entrepreneur Andy Ross joins Main Street Matters to share his journey from bow hunting and television to building American Rebel, one of the fastest-growing patriotic lifestyle brands in America. Elaine Parker sits down with Ross to explore how a passion for music and freedom evolved into a multi-industry business spanning gun safes, apparel, and American-made beer. From launching a brand rooted in faith and patriotism to scaling a company with over 200 employees, Ross offers a firsthand look at the risks, rewards, and realities of entrepreneurship. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Andy Ross turned a TV show and music career into a national brand The story behind American Rebel and its rapid expansion What it takes to compete in crowded markets like beer and consumer goods The impact of inflation, regulation, and tariffs on small businesses Why passion is essential for long-term entrepreneurial success How to inspire the next generation of American entrepreneurs Ross also shares insights on building a mission-driven company, supporting American manufacturing, and why now is a critical moment for small business growth. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, small business success stories, or building a brand around American values, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.